Secret Service Director's Roof Safety Concerns Dismissed by State Police

Former Assistant FBI Director Chris Swecker weighs in on the House Homeland Security Committee hearing with Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, as the agency faces scrutiny for security failures during the attempted assassination of former President Trump.

Former Assistant FBI Director Chris Swecker joined "Fox & Friends First" to express his concerns about the Secret Service's handling of the security breach during former President Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The incident, which left one attendee dead and two others injured, has raised questions about the agency's preparedness and response.

Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris testified before the House Homeland Security Committee, refuting concerns raised by now-resigned Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle that the sloped roof used by the shooter posed a safety hazard for law enforcement officers.

Secret Service Director's Roof Safety Concerns Dismissed by State Police

Paris stated that the roof was not too steep for officers to safely traverse, as evidenced by video footage of Representative Carlos Jimenez, a 70-year-old lawmaker, climbing the roof with ease. Paris's testimony contradicts Cheatle's claim that the roof was unsafe, a statement that has drawn criticism from lawmakers and security experts.

Lawmakers grilled Paris about various aspects of the security arrangements at the rally, while the FBI's ongoing investigation limited the details he could provide. Patrick Yoes, national president of the Fraternal Order of Police, also provided expert testimony on police and security practices.

Secret Service Director's Roof Safety Concerns Dismissed by State Police

Representative Michael Guest, R-Miss., questioned the assessment that the roof was unsafe, given Jimenez's ability to climb it without difficulty. Guest suggested that this raised doubts about the Secret Service's preparedness and response capabilities.

Gimenez, who filmed himself on the roof where the shooting occurred, expressed frustration with Cheatle's safety concerns, stating that he could "run around on that roof all day long." This further undermines the agency's justification for not deploying officers onto the roof during the incident.

Secret Service Director's Roof Safety Concerns Dismissed by State Police

The hearing has further highlighted concerns about the Secret Service's ability to protect high-profile figures and prevent security breaches. The ongoing FBI investigation is expected to shed further light on the failures that occurred and lead to recommendations for improvements in the agency's protocols.